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geminimoon's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I love the way the book is written, however, the sexual assault soured it for me. Daphne is a proper rapist; she talks about how him getting drunk is her chance to get what she wants and how she wants to take control😀. Her taking advantage of Simon was not properly dealt with in the books or the show. So, even though I love Simon's character and their scenes made me a bit giddy, I can't in good concious rate this book any higher than 2 stars.
Graphic: Rape
escsmith's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I read this because of the show, and without the show I wouldn't be tempted to pick up another.
Daphne and Simon needed more scenes together building the relationship and chemistry before their marriage. It felt like they barely met and they were already wed. I know that weddings were quick in the time period, but this is a romance and it needed more romance.
I hated the scene where Simon is drunk and Daphne takes advantage of him. It soured the whole book for me. I felt like the author brushed over it and this is harmful to male victims.
Simon's use of phrases like 'mine', 'belong to me' and 'own you' totally pulled out of the story and was another reason I didn't really connect with this story.
I wanted so much more Whistledown, she really is the best part of the book.
If I choose to continue the series, I'll be viewing it through the lens of the show, because I feel this left a lot to be desired. So many of the characters were flat and I didn't connect with any of them on the page. The descriptions of people and settings were so vague, and did not spark my imagination.
It had potential, but fell far short.
Daphne and Simon needed more scenes together building the relationship and chemistry before their marriage. It felt like they barely met and they were already wed. I know that weddings were quick in the time period, but this is a romance and it needed more romance.
Simon's use of phrases like 'mine', 'belong to me' and 'own you' totally pulled out of the story and was another reason I didn't really connect with this story.
I wanted so much more Whistledown, she really is the best part of the book.
If I choose to continue the series, I'll be viewing it through the lens of the show, because I feel this left a lot to be desired. So many of the characters were flat and I didn't connect with any of them on the page. The descriptions of people and settings were so vague, and did not spark my imagination.
It had potential, but fell far short.
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexism
kassoug's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Pas fou assez cliché et la scène de viol qui n’est par la suite jamais adressée… je n’ai pas été emballée
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
ketsy95's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
✨ daddy issues ✨
Graphic: Rape
odetolocksmith's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
deardisdain's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
While I adored the book and the dynamic I don't think I'll ever like Daphne for what she did to Simon. And I while I'm unsure if it's the era or just the way it's handled in this novel, his treatment wasn't considered as bad as it should have in my honest opinion. That being said, I love the way Julia writes? I expected to hate this book but I felt addicted by the end of it and immediately went into the next one.
side comment: started off listening to the audio book and MAJOR props to the narrator they did so so good.
side comment: started off listening to the audio book and MAJOR props to the narrator they did so so good.
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Minor: Miscarriage
sarajuneau's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I don’t think I’d have enjoyed this book much without the show. I still cannot believed Daphne literally SA’d Simon and people don’t discuss it.
Graphic: Violence and Rape
Moderate: Alcohol
mothmania's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
Graphic: Rape
madifran's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.75
i actually did enjoy the first 200 pages of this book, but the brushing over of male SA was not treat. a quick and easy read, i just really wish that had NOT been a plot device. i also definitely wanted more of the other characters, that’s such a highlight in the show and i was sad to not see it here!
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
1eclecticbooknerd's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Rape is never cute. Even if you love them. Even if it is to get pregnant.
Jail! for all the women, who normalize women doing this in the name of romance.
If we want men to do better we need to uphold the bare minimum.
Consent is the bare minimum.
First half was fine and almost cute but as mentioned, I got the biggest ick from the assault scene and Daphne bein unrepentant to the point of the duke apologizing?
Jail! for all the women, who normalize women doing this in the name of romance.
If we want men to do better we need to uphold the bare minimum.
Consent is the bare minimum.
First half was fine and almost cute but as mentioned, I got the biggest ick from the assault scene and Daphne bein unrepentant to the point of the duke apologizing?
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault